What The Americas Were Like Before Columbus Showed Up
Before the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the Americas were a diverse and fascinating place. This is what the Americas were like before Columbus showed up.
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How The Ancient Romans Made Ice
It used to be said that the rich got their ice in the summer and the poor in the winter, so it balanced out. Was that also true during the Roman Empire?
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This Was The First American President To Resign
Scandal has been the undoing of many a career, whether in business, the arts, the military, or even -- perhaps especially -- national politics.
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The Origin Behind The Phrase Run-Of-The-Mill
Every day you utter dozens of idioms, proverbs, and figures of speech that would not make any sense to a non-native speaker, yet are uttered without a thought.
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Here's Who Inherited John F. Kennedy Jr.'s Money After He Died
The life of John F. Kennedy Jr. — the child of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy — tragically came to an end on July 16, 1999.
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The Strange Things Grace Kelly Had To Do To Become A Princess
There are fewer royal families these days than there used to be, but there are still requirements that go with the job, especially if you marry into it all.
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What You Didn't Know About Cleopatra's Writing
The name Cleopatra immediately evokes a sense of mystery, accomplishment, beauty, even myth. Add to that list the title "Cleopatra: Author."
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The Real Reason Delmarva Never Became A State
If you're familiar with the Eastern Maryland shoreline, with its sweeping steely skies and scattered beach towns, you've likely heard the term Delmarva.
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The Messed Up Truth Of Serial Killer John Christie
In the 1950s, Notting Hill, London, was home to cheap flats and slums. And a few gruesome murders. Here is the messed up truth of serial killer John Christie.
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The Only American Presidents To Be Assassinated
Trying to accomplish political change through assassination is, thankfully, a rarity in American history. So far, four chief executives have been assassinated.
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The Real Reason We Celebrate Christmas On December 25
Why do we do what we do when we do it? Dates can be set in history, or randomly assigned. What's the story of December 25 and its association with Christmas?
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What We Still Don't Know About Dorothy Arnold's Disappearance
Dorothy Arnold lived a privileged and carefree life. That all came crashing down on December 12, 1910, when the 25-year-old left her home and disappeared.
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Whatever Happened In The Walter Collins Case?
On March 10, 1928, Christine Collins' world was turned upside down when her 9-year-old son, Walter, vanished near their Los Angeles home.
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How 'A Visit From St. Nicholas' Shapes Christmas Even Today
People still debate authorship of "A Visit from St. Nicholas," aka "The Night Before Christmas." What can't be argued is its lasting influence on the holiday.
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The Real Reason Pan Am Airlines Went Out Of Business
From 1927 to 1991, Pan Am was one of the most recognizable airlines in the United States. The company started as a small startup with a single float-plane.
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The Real Reason The Coca-Cola Logo Is Red
It seems like Coca-Cola has been around forever. Its ad campaigns and logos often feature the color red. There has to be a reason, of course. And here it is.
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The Real Reason People Have Middle Names
Today there's tons of buzz around picking names for babies. There is an entire industry of books and websites literally dedicated to helping name your child.
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Why World War I Helped Create The Candy Bar Boom
In previous (and later) conflicts, troops would often be on the move, the Great War's trench warfare meant soldiers and armies would remain static.
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Presidential Administrations With The Most White House Christmas Trees
The Christmas tree is a symbol of good cheer, marking the holidays for millions of Americans. That includes the White House. But will just one tree enough?
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The History Of Writing Letters To Santa Explained
It's hard to imagine a time when children didn't write letters to Santa, but the idea of sharing a wish list with the big guy is actually a fairly modern idea.
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This Is The First President To Put A Christmas Tree In The White House
It's easy to forget that presidents have families, too, even at Christmas. When did the Christmas Tree first come to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue?
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The First Lady Who Created Themes For White House Christmases
Families often have traditional decorations they use at the holidays. The residents of the White House bring their own unique vision and style each year.
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The Untold Truth Of Malcolm X's Daughter, Malikah
Malikah Shabazz never knew her famous father - mother, Betty Shabazz, was pregnant with her and twin sister, Malaak, when an assassin killed her dad, Malcolm X.
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The Myth Of Apollo And Daphne Explained
The myth of Apollo and Daphne is one of unrequited love and the extreme measures those involved may go to. Here is the myth of Apollo and Daphne explained.
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How Historically Accurate Is Devil In The White City?
Call a book "historical" or "nonfiction" and you're almost certain to invite intense scrutiny. Did events play out the way the author claims they did?
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What Chelsea Manning's Life In Prison Was Really Like
Chelsea Manning first joined the U.S. military in 2007, but in 2010, while stationed in Iraq, she discovered information that she found troubling.
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The Origins Of The Phrase "Silver Lining"
If you've ever tried to find a hint of positivity and light in a fog of malaise or misfortune, perhaps you've heard the phrase "silver linings."
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